VINEYARD Bootlegger’s Hill, Russian River Valley AVA
CLONES Calera, Pommard, 115, 667, 23, 459, Elite
ORIENTATION North/East
TRELLISING VSP
SOIL Goldridge fine sandy loam
FERMENTATION 33% concrete, 34% oak, 33% stainless steel; 5% whole cluster
ÉLEVAGE 41% new French oak & 59% neutral oak for 15 months, then 100% of the blend was aged in stainless steel for 1 month.
ALCOHOL 14.2%
pH 3.72
TA 5.55 g/L
AROMA
Aromas of black cherry, brambly rose, and fig with undertones of blackberry bush and dried herbs.
PALATE
Captivating, with subtle earthiness, ripe raspberry, and a velvety long finish.
Perched 750 feet above the fog line on the western edge of the Russian River Valley, Bootlegger’s Hill Estate Vineyard spans 30 acres of ancient seabed soils. Once an apple orchard, this vineyard is now home to seven unique clones of Pinot Noir, each contributing to the wine’s depth and complexity.
The 2022 growing season brought warm temperatures and low yields, allowing the vines to develop fruit of remarkable intensity. Fermented in roughly equal parts wood, concrete, and stainless steel, with 5% whole clusters, this wine underwent extended maceration to refine its structure and elevate its nuanced flavor.
Aged for 15 months in 41% new French oak and finished with a month in stainless steel, this Pinot Noir reveals vibrant aromas of raspberry, black cherry, and fig, accented by subtle hints of dried herbs. On the palate, it is alluring, with balanced acidity, a silky mid-palate, and refined tannins that unfold into a deep, elegant finish.
Fact of Note: Longest maceration duration out of the Estate wines.
THE RUSSIAN RIVER VALLEY IS hallowed ground for lovers of great Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Here, the vines are submersed in clockwork fog and daytime temperature swings, which preserve the natural acidity essential to elegant, age-worthy wines. We work with a handful of the most beloved vineyards from this remarkable wine region considered by many to be the heartland of California Pinot Noir.
Within Russian River Valley, in a town tucked away from the main roads, you’ll find a community ranging from writer to artisan. The town of Graton is an area where local winemakers and growers take a respite and enjoy some of the many popular yet under-the-radar restaurants. During harvest, the little town is full of life and bustling.
